Mutual aid (organization theory)

A Freebox in Berlin, Germany 2005, serving as a distribution center for free donated materials

Mutual aid is a term in organization theory used to signify a voluntary reciprocal exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit.

Origins

Mutual aid is arguably as ancient as human culture; an intrinsic part of the small, communal societies universal to humanity's ancient past. From the dawn of humanity, until far beyond the invention of agriculture, humans were foragers, exchanging labor and resources for the benefit of groups and individuals alike.

Mutual aid as a criticism on individualism

Based on Peter Kropotkin's theories on mutual aid, those small groups are also discussed as a counter model to the historic concept of an autonomous individual. Those discussions emphasize an open model of voluntary cooperation in mutual-aid groups as opposed to induced cooperation.[2] Therefore, they raise questions regarding the tension of the individual's adaption and self-determination. In order to overcome this tension an insight in the life perspective of others, a radical openness to all situations possible and a high awareness of and confidence in the self is necessary.

Power line crews are known to cross state and even international borders to give aid to neighboring communities after storm damage to power transmission systems. This is particularly true in the North Eastern United States and Eastern Canada.

Mutual battery jump starting or "boosting" in winter is not uncommon in Canada. Sometimes referred to as get a boost give a boost.

↑ Borsay, edited by Anne; Shapely, Peter (2007). Medicine, charity and mutual aid: the consumption of health and welfare in Britain, c. 1550-1950 ; [5th international conference of the European Association of Urban Historians, which was held in Berlin in summer 2000] ([Online-Ausg.] ed.). Aldershot [u.a.]: Ashgate. pp.7–8. ISBN0754651487.